Spaha Soul

Space is small, so a reservation is definitely needed. All run by chef and owner, Artist. That day we had the place almost all to ourselves and he made our experience one of a kind with his hospitality and attention. Eating delicious food while the guest musician played made for good vibes. We made quick friends with our dining neighbor and the whole restaurant just talked about life. Would definitely return again!

Artist (the chef) created a meal for us which was simultaneously unique and comforting. We enjoyed every bite of it and refused to leave anything on the plate. We also had the joy of getting to know Artist throughout the meal, and he made us feel at home. Sharing the evening with this wonderful person while also being spoiled by his culinary talent made for an experience we cannot forget. Could not ask for a better meal. Thank you, Artist!

This is such a special experience! The owner is very particular about each detail that fills the space. From the fresh flower cuttings on the table, the meticulous plating (as best showcased on the crab cakes), the personally curated artwork, and the music that permeates the cozy space. The operation seems to have three people at most: the head chef/owner, a sous chef of sorts, and a live musician. The owner and head chef, Artist, is incredibly kind, welcoming, warm, fun, and just a consummate host. You will feel welcomed here. Be patient as you wait for your perfect bites of soul food. We started off with the scrimps, which were served in a lightly spiced roux and deliciously little sliced peppers and onions— accompanied with a delicious side of buttery cornbread. We moved on to a righteous soul food cypher: rosemary fried chicken, baked mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potatoes. Every bit was good. We finished up with the crab cakes, which the musician from Maryland testified were the best. We agree! Fluffy, perfectly seasoned, and delicious. As for the music, the guitarist, Andrew, asked us some questions about what we like to hear, and upon finding out we liked a certain jazz guitarist, proceeded to play a whole album. Unreal! This is a very special place. Bring your lover, your best friends, your dear family, and whomever else deserves a special night made just right. We passed by this place in January 2020, and decided we’d go in the Spring— what a wash that was! So we were really glad that SpaHa Soul survived the pandemic restaurant industry downturn. We can’t wait til we come back again, this time with some friends! Attached are some pictures of the food and space. Unfortunately we didn’t even think to take pictures of the chicken and co— we just jumped in to see what was good!

I took my mom here for Mother's Day with my family. Chef Artist was exceptional. My family had a wonderful experience.The food was flavorful and delightful. Thank you Chef Artist for such a wonderful experience.

Completely excited to find a southern food spot that is so welcoming and the food is delicious! The owner was soooooo understanding of my allergies and made the food with understanding. He was honest on him trying to keep his business open on his own throughout these harsh times serving and cooking in his own so a bit of a wait but completely worth it! The music and space outside is so calming and relaxing for a night out in a soul food mood. Thank you again!

One of the nicest experiences I've ever had at a restaurant. It was so beautiful inside. From the music, the decor and the personal service. The food is made on the spot and you need a reservation but trust me, it's so worth it

Was very interested following the NYT review. This restaurant apparently takes reservations only, but I managed to get in without one. For a 15-25 seat restaurant, they only had 2 staff. The service was friendly, but it ends there. The food service was slow, and for such a restaurant, the execution was not great. It felt like the chef was very distracted, as he was managing the front and the back of the house. The other server was also frequently going out to buy stuff for the kitchen. For drinks, they have a BYOB concept. That really means go get your drinks from the deli next door because we ain't serving any. The food was also not great. Had fried chicken with Mac and cheese. The chicken came well brined and was juicy, but the chicken was very soft on the crust. You could taste the flavor in the batter, but the execution was not there. Not impressed especially when I'm going to consume that many calories.

The head chef is the owner at spaha soul and his love for food is unmatched ! When you come in you feel like family the way Artist treats everyone and welcomes you in his restaurant it was a amazing experience when we came in there was live music ! Its BYOB so we went crazy! My experience here was 10\10! The food is all fresh and cooked after we order our food took a while but thats to be expected becuase the food is so fresh ! I would recommend this place to ANYONE who is looking for a lovely date night or just some amazing soul food ! Before i forget its also reservations only !

Hi Artist, thank you for always treating us as friends when John and I come eat. We love the food and the overall vibe. Thanks for the great conversation and we'll see you again soon!

A lovely and intimate soul food dinner tonight in Spanish Harlem catching up with my friend. We ordered the baked chicken, pork chop, mashed sweet potatoes, mac & cheese, and collard greens. Artist also baked us cornbread. Everything was fresh, homemade, and delicious. The hospitality was wonderful, we enjoyed conversing with the owner. It really does feel like you're eating at someone's home.

SpaHa Soul reminds me of the wonderful, semi-secret feeling homemade storefront theaters, restaurants, and shops that flourished in the 90s... I live in East Harlem and we don't lack for solid soul food options, but ye gods. One of the tastiest meals I've had in a long time. The sweet potato in particular was a bit of heaven. We appreciated the live music, provided by Emmett, a recent grad of LaGuardia HS and Oberlin. I loved getting to chat with Artist about his time in Mexico City and Tepoztlán. He has lived an interesting life, and I look forwrd to hearing more. This is most definitely a slow food set up and well worth the wait. (The taper candle on our table was a puddle of wax by the time we left.) Go when you have time to really savor the food and the company. A very special place.

This place is incredible! We had a private dinner here with 20+ people and the space was cozy and welcoming. The owner is a total gem and he cooked one of the most incredible meals I have ever had. The rosemary fried chicken was a standout dish for me, but I loved everything he made. The cornbread was the best I've ever had by far. This was a very special experience and I highly recommend it. We will be back!

What an incredible meal! We got the chef's table meal and were simply delighted! The only problem was too much delicious food. The chef was a real sweetie too. If I loved here it would be my favorite place to take people for birthday, etc. Such a nice intimate vibe.

Simply amazing! Me and my husband finally had a night out without the kids and were looking for something different to eat. We headed to East Harlem with no real plans. We both agreed on this restaurant and parked the car (free street parking...woot woot). After seeing how small the restaurant was inside I was worried we wouldn't be able to get a table. Lucky for us they had a table available. The level of service here is seriously astounding. When we arrived we were the only ones there for a while. We felt like we were being treated to our own private chefs table. Everything on the menu sounded amazing but we decided to do the chefs menu and let him do his thing. He asked us what we enjoy and went to the kitchen to prepare our dinner. Every dish he prepared was delicious. The live music was an added bonus. Regi is the resident musician there. His singing voice was the perfect addition to an already amazing experience. Make sure to make a reservation. The chef let us know he usually doesn't accept walk-ins which makes perfect sense when you see the effort he puts into each dish. This is a byob place so bring your favorite drinks or you can order from nearby East River Wine & Spirits and have it delivered.

WOOHOOOO! Loveeeee this place :D Came here recently with a friend and we had a blast eating at this cute restaurant. If you're looking for a cozy spot for an intimate dinner with a date or catching up with close friends, highly recommend checking out Spaha. Owned and operated by the one and only chef/server/cashier, Artist definitely brings the charm when it comes to eating some delicious soul food. Things to note: Reservations - highly recommend making a reservation before coming here since the restaurant is pretty small. Just make a quick call and you'll get a text for confirmation. Food Options: You can either pick a la carte on the food or go with the pre-fix menu. Prices are fairly reasonable for the hugeee portion of food + the yummy quality. Wine: BYOB! It's $5 corkage fee per person or if you forget, ask Artist for a recommendation. We tried a red cab and it was delishhhh with our food. :) Food Itself: Absolutely yum yum yum. My friend and I opted to pick different dishes vs the pre fix meal due to timing, but it was a great experience. Tried the following items: chicken = juicy and with the perfect crisp. Pork chops = tender and so savory with the seasoning. Sides: everything was on point from the mac and cheese, spiced yams, collards and the corned bread just slayyyyys with its buttery goodness. Didn't have room for dessert but oh boy, everything was worth it. The experience: expect to spend at least 1.5hr-2hrs here. Food is made to order and with some patience, it's worth the wait for the meal. :) in addition, got the opportunity to listen to some live music which was quite the treat. Love the warm hospitality from Artist, who made this dining experience a fun one. Finally - payment options here are either cash (there's an atm nearby) or using the various payment apps (venmo/cash app/zelle). If I visit NY again, definitely will stop by here again for food :)

I've heard it said that not all southern food is soul food; soul food touches the soul. When you go to SpaHa, prepare your soul for a bear hug. SpaHa is my favorite restaurant in New York. Calling it just a restaurant doesn't do it justice. SpaHa deserves a love letter more than a review. But this is Yelp, afterall. See, it's not just that the food is immaculate. The seasonings on the fried chicken stay in your nose and on your tongue for days. The surfing porkchop (which may or may not be named after me) is a delight. And it's so plentiful, it feels miraculous. Somehow I can stuff myself and still take a stack of leftovers with me for tomorrow. Artist (the owner/operator/chef extraordinaire) has cultivated something special. When the food comes out (preceded by a powerful, mouth-watering aroma) it doesn't feel like "service" at a restaurant. It feels like hospitality. Like you're the welcome guest of an impossibly cool and generous host. When friends or family come to visit--people I truly love--I take them to SpaHa. We're guaranteed to leave with full bellies, takeout containers, and hearts.

Make sure to call ahead and verify that they're open. Just walked several blocks to leave disappointed and still hungry

Great food great atmosphere amazingly nice owner. I wrote my first review October 2013 and have gone to this place more times than I can count. I have come at least 100 times since. Located at 118&2, Spaha Soul brought a great little restaurant to East Harlem neighborhood. Owned by Artist T, he greets you with a hearty hello as you listen to the amazing music (often live) that creates a wonderful atmosphere. I am so happy to have this restaurant with amazing people I meet every time I ja Things you must know: 1) Call ahead and let the proprietor know you are coming. It is a small place so this lets him have a table for you and fresh food from the market too 2) There is a huge variety on the menu for all food types: 'regular/traditional', vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, paleo, etc. 3) Sunday is brunch/limited menu only 4) The food is fresh-orders daily and isn't made until you order it. 5) BYOB BUT BUT if you want to drink based on what you order, there is a great place that delivers (and around the corner). Artist hands you his phone with the number programmed in to place your personal wine order. There is a corkage fee 6) Delivery is not guaranteed-choose pick-up or dine in 7) Not sure what you want to eat? Talk it out with him! 8) Can you say deal? Ask what the nightly pre fixe is. The owner and proprietor, Artist, makes the food from the heart. Definitely a gem for the area!g

This place is amazing. Home is the first word that comes to mind. Most chefs open restaurants with the intention of making it an extension of their home/kitchen/dining room, but SpaHa actually executes it. Chef Artist has the greatest hands on approach and the service matches the food. My GOD!!!! I literally closed my eyes and danced the entire meal because it was sooooo good. As a vegetarian, I was easily accommodated without making any modifications to the options presented to me (that's rare). It's amazing soul food (without feeling extremely heavy), BYOB, good background music, cozy atmosphere, clean and beautiful washroom. I can't wait to return. P.S. There's an ancestral altar as soon as you walk in and Chef allowed me to leave an offering as I was so moved by his food to do so. This wasn't just great food, it felt like a pilgrimage. It felt like home. 11/10 would recommend.

What a delightful place! Small little place, almost hard to find even when looking. You walk into what reminded me of a hybrid of a African tribal + Haitian voodoo+ Williamsburg hipster. Dimly lit with numerous candles and a delightful new age jazz overhead, you are greeted by a cozy room, with a welcome home sort of feel. The lounge ambience is matched by the owner/chef/waiter's inviting energy. He welcomed us in like family and sensitively cared for us throughout. For example, he asked us about any food allergies and when he learned about a corn allergy, he made up a batch of fresh oil to fry things in just to protect his customer. The menu had a handful of protein options, most notably chicken which he would cook up in several different ways. Also a slew of sides all $7. There was also a prix fixed menu that looked fabulous for $45. Finally the place was BYOB. Everything was truly homecooked and delicious. Each flavor profile was well thought out and appreciated. I went out with four people and our total bill with tax and tip was just a little over $100 which included entrees and sides. I got the fried chicken and Mac and cheese which was all incredible. Also snuck some tastes of grits and cheese which was equally scrumptious. Everyone at my table had nothing but compliments. I will WARN that it took about an hour to get our food and the place was mostly empty. This did not bother me as I was with great company in a great space. And my sense was he put extra TLC into our dishes since he wasn't busy. I'd highly recommend this place to anyone wanting an east Harlem soul food delight.

This restaurant was recommended by a coworker and it did not disappoint! We had the corn bread, chicken, pork chops, mac and cheese, greens, and shrimp and grits. We loved everything! Everything is cooked to order so, we patient and sit back and drink your BYOB wine. Thursday night has live music and it was truly a great time with the music. Artist is the owner and the chef and his hospitality was TOP notch. I hate I only got one picture but, I was too busy eating and forgot to snap for the Yelp!

This is an amazing soul food spot. Service is phenomenal and food is incredibly amazing. This one man show is worth stopping by and eating his home style comfort food. Chef cooks, owns and serves his home cooking. It's like going to grandmas house for dinner. Love the ambiance setting and extremely friendly Chef Artist!!!

I really, really want to give this place more stars but they make it so hard to. We were a party of 11 and ended up having the entire place to ourselves for Sunday brunch. Tiny but super artistic spot with great vibes. BYOB which is always a plus. The owner/chef Artist is super nice and accommodating. He really put in hard work to try and keep everyone satisfied. Great personality. We were given the choice of a pre fix brunch menu, which included cheesy eggs, caprese salad, cheesy grits, red velvet waffles/pancakes, and choice of meat (fried chicken, chop, shrimp). The regular menu included a chicken basket, a version of surf and turf (called Rob's), salmon cakes, and side of mac and cheese, yams, and collard green. Artist went into great detail about how each dish is made and even let us mix and match everything which was awesome. However, into the not so great things. We were told our food would be out in 30-45 minutes. Definitely took over an hour. Once food started coming out, everything did not come out together. Things came out so staggered and disorganized that some people were done eating their food before others even got theirs. A lot of people were missing sides or dishes that they had ordered. One person ordered the pre fix brunch and only received the shrimp and grits (missing 3 items). I ordered red velvet pancakes and got 3 while my friend ordered the same and only got one. Another had the same order and was told they had ran out of pancake/waffle batter (she was given an order of cornbread and wasn't charged but still). Many of us ordered the fried chicken because we were told it marinated for 24 hours. Definitely didn't taste like that. Nice crisp but otherwise disappointing. Mac and cheese was bland. Red velvet pancakes were good but drenched in syrup (would have preferred they put the syrup on the side for each customer to pour themselves). Grits weren't that great. Cheesy eggs were ok. Collard greens were the best, I must say. Concept here is good but execution needs to be fixed. If large parties can't be handled then they shouldn't be accepted or more chefs/staff should be hired to help out. It's unacceptable to run out of food, even if everything is bought locally everyday. Everyone's meals should be brought out together so everyone can eat together in a timely manner (overall we spent about 4 hours here for brunch, mainly waiting on food). If this isn't feasible, some appetizers should be brought out first for customers to enjoy while all entrees are being prepared. This place has potential but still had a long way to go.

Woowwwwww!!!! What. can . I . say!!!! If you want to feel like you're in your families kitchen eating a home cooked meal , then here is where you need to be! The service, the attention to detail, the ambience was all impeccable. Not to mention , they are BYOB!!!!!! BOYB!!!!! once again, BYOB!!!! I love that you can bring your own bottle of wine and enjoy all that this place has to offer. The owner comes out to greet you which is so hospitable and the food is amazing! Let me be clear, this isn't a microwave and serve place.. your meal is cooked on the spot so be patient because when it does arrive you'll be so grateful that you finally found a place that feels like home. Thank you! Can't wait to come back!!

I had the most amazing experience at SpaHa Soul last weekend! I stumbled upon this place because this was one of the few restaurants that take dinner reservations in the area. Turns out this place is by reservation only because each dish is made to order by the owner and chef Artist. The authentic Southern comfort-style food tasted like each dish was made with love and care, but what I really enjoyed was the hospitality. Artist really went out of his way to make me feel like an honored guest in his home. I'm so glad I found this hidden gem! Definitely one of the most intimate experiences I've ever had in NYC

Hmm I feel bad about giving this place a three, yet lots of things I'm looking for in a better restaurants were simply missing here... Food. Ok so if you opt for the soul food menu, be careful, they might skip what you said and simply bring whatever onto the table. To me, food was cooked more like family-style, so nothing quite special there - I felt like I could cook everything over there. As I am only an mediocre chef myself, I would only give an average rating in terms of flavor. Service. Hmm this was a hard one. So the owner and waitress were really nice, always came out and checked on us. To be honest, it felt to me was like an excuse for the late-come food. I really don't like waiting for my food for an hour, for whatever reason. Some other misses: dessert! Where were my desserts? Was very disappointed when the waitress came out and told us that they did not carry anything. Ok so this place was BYOB, so wine drinks might appreciate; for me (a non-drinker), it would not help.

SpaHa soul is a labor of love and a must-try. But only if I like you. If I don't like you, please stay below 96th Street, or East of the River, or north of Pelham. Now that that's out of the way... Mea maxima culpa for not visiting this gem sooner. After just celebrating my 28th lap around the sun just weeks ago in NOLA, I could just about self-flagellate for getting this old without tasting real gumbo. I love the fact that this impressive and intimate spot is BYOB and serves such high quality, thoughtfully prepared cuisine. (Shoutout to Riverside Wines, which delivers vino from around the corner.) The cornbread is like you're being served an entire traditional Sicilian polenta cake. Fluffy in the middle, slightly brown on top and mildly sweet throughout. I am looking forward to toasting the leftover half tomorrow and enjoying it with butter and espresso. My gumbo had star power. It was surprisingly herbaceous and bright. I also tasted something unexpected, like citrus or lemongrass. Fat pieces of fresh shrimp and juicy andouille almost were backup singers to this otherworldly broth. The pork chop was nearly as good, tender and flavorful with an almost compote-like dollop of black beans. Both entrees came with the last bit of dirty rice of the day -- which I didn't mind one bit. Chef Artist Thornton was also kind enough to come over with a serving of macaroni and cheese, which we would have devoured had we not already been stuffed. Yes. If you have read this far and truly appreciate good conversation, good wine and lovingly prepared neighborhood cuisine, please visit. Just call ahead and let Artist know!

The best meal I've had in years! Delicious doesn't begin to describe the food. Fresh ingredients, expertly prepared with love. Just so good! Toss in a wonderful host/chef, a charming space and you have your next favorite spot.

The chef/ owner?, artist was very professional and accommodating. He explained every item on the menu that night. The decoration was real nice and the selection of music was pleasant. Best of all, the food was great. Definitely going again.

Went here with my wife for the first time today. Super chill and comfy ambiance. Felt like I was in a relatives living room. The food is freshly prepared and immensely delicious. It's BYOB, so we sipped a bit while listening to the awesome soul playlist as we awaited our meal. The owner and chef, Artist, is an amazing host and even better chef. My wife and I will definitely be back. I've been to quite a few soul spots in East and West Harlem, but SpaHa is currently my fave, hands down.

Enjoyed this unique, intimate, and friendly new spot here in East Harlem; the food is interesting and tasty. The chef, Artist, was accessible and engaging. He has cheffed in Europe and Latin America, but his starting point is US soul food. He does a good job with it. My meal was classic soul food, with the collard greens, Mac and cheese, and crispy chicken breast, but not leaving you over-stuffed. The bean soup to start was delicate and healthy, the red velvet cake and cream to finish was delicious.

Here's a cautionary tail of a gem of a restaurant with terrible fried chicken. The chef/owner Artist was great- he accommodated our group of 8 and it became more like an intimate meal because we essentially took up the whole place and had it to ourselves (and we had a nice relaxed brunch, no rush to turn tables). Artist took his time with us and went through the menu, also telling us his backstory, the history of the restaurant and vision for the future. You can tell he is passionate about food and community. The place is humble and feels you've got a friend cooking a meal for you. The food overall was pretty good, so why the 3 stars? Artist introduced himself by saying "I drink beer and fry chicken. That's what I do." So, that gave me supreme confidence in his chicken frying abilities, and since he said he got fresh chickens from the local butchers (viveros) I HAD to order it. I was so into it- someone who knows they do something well, has a quality product, and keeps it simple. I was sure he had it in the bag. Well, that was a mistake. The chicken was bland, tough, not crispy but somehow burnt in areas, and breading patchy. It just wasn't right. Maybe he needed to drink less beer? Or more? Whatever the case is, the chicken downright sucked. Two of us at the table ordered it, and both of us took a few bites and left the rest of it untouched. I ended up eating from everyone else's plates (the grits were great, scrambled eggs delicious, and red velvet pancakes yummy). If I had ordered anything else I would have given 4 stars. Taking one off because it is pretty limited- we had to go get stuff at the bodega if we wanted snacks while we waited (it was a one man show, no help in the back) or if we wanted anything to drink other than water or tea. I would return, as everything else was really good and the group enjoyed the dishes. Just no fried chicken.

I love this quaint spot for Brunch. Food is cooked to your order. Annnnnnd its BYOB. How much more could you ask for??? I had the Red velvet pancakes with cheesy eggs and salad..Very tasty. Friendly staff and awesome host Kwaku!

When the owner is the chef, the waiter, the kindest person in the place and shops for fresh ingredients everyday so every dish is custom made to order you know you're in an amazing place. Artist (do it all owner) is one of the most genuine people I've ever met and a truly astounding chef. He whipped up a dish for me that met my dietary restrictions even though it wasn't on the menu. Will bring everyone I know here. Make sure to make a reservation!!!!!

I was celebrating a double event: Mother's Day and my daughter's 21st Birthday, and wanted a nice place to take them both. I saw the reviews online and decided to support the business. Thankfully, I was able to book a 7:30 p.m. reservation. The place is quaint and that made it more charming than other places. It was a very comfortable atmosphere. Thorton, provided the right amount of attention without appearing to be smothering. And the food......delicious. The cornbread was still warm when it cam to us and my wife, children and I enjoyed the menu to the fullest. Pork Chops, Baked and Fried Chicken, Yams, Collard Greens, Macaroni & Cheese were all delivered in healthy portions to us all. I actually had to force myself to stop eating everything at one sitting because I was committed into taking some in for work the next day. It is really like going to a relative's house for Sunday dinner. And I would like to add that Thorton appreciated my humor when I booked the reservation under the name "Denzel Obama" If I have to give one complaint: I live in Queens and wished it was closer to me.

I have to admit, SpaHa Soul and Bone Broth was remarkable. Can't wait to try every single thing off the menu here. I think Stuffed Pork Chop is a must to order for every one. Staff is really friendly and will certainly help you with everything. I'm certainly visiting here soon.

This places isn't your regular restaurant. It's a one of a kind spot that some might pass up . But need to try. The owner is super friendly and down to earth . He's your waiter & host . The menu is written on a blackboard in the front. Food is made fresh once you order it . It's bring your own liquor! Would for sure go back !!!

So, I stopped by here approximately 8 weeks ago with a friend of mine, who enjoys accompanying me on these food adventures. I kept telling him about the overwhelmingly positive reviews about this place and I really had been dying to give it a try, but lived on west 108th at the time and really was struggling to get my butt over to East Harlem somehow. Also, Lolo's is closer. Anyway, I would give five stars based on the quality of the food and the fact that this lovely, little establishment is BYOB. However, as many Yelpers before me have written, the service is unbearably slow. And for that reason, I brought the overall experience to a 4 (but would truly round it out at 3.5). While the owner/chef/artist, Artis, was very amicable and came out to introduce himself, he also seemed frazzled despite the fact that my friend and I were the only patrons in the restaurant, at that time. I understand that they are working in a super small kitchen space and that it is difficult to make meals to order when everything is done from scratch in that workspace. That said, I also would have appreciated maybe more accurate estimates of when the food would be ready, but enjoyed our conversation in the meantime. My friend and I arrived, sat at a table, and ordered the same meal. I believe it was called "The Betty" and included fried chicken breast, garlic mashed potatoes with gravy, candied yams, silver dollar cornbread pancakes and collard greens. We were told that because everything is made fresh and to order, etc. that it would take approximately 35 minutes and Artis recommended that we walk over to the closest liquor store and grab our beverage. We bought two bottles of wine and returned to the restaurant. We were able to store the extra bottle in the restaurant refrigerator, which was great and returned with what should have been 20 minutes before our food was out. Now, this is a tiny place, with just three small tables and NO AIR CONDITIONING. It was extremely hot that day and the tap water here is not served iced, so we were sweating like no tomorrow when we returned from the liquor store, had no cold beverages and could feel the heat from the open kitchen. We kept receiving updates on our food long after it should have been digested, and ultimately waited a total of about 75 minutes from time we ordered to the time we took our first bites of our entrees. We had some complimentary watermelon slices to munch on, but the updates were not accurate. He kept saying, "Food'll be out any minute", "10 more minutes" and we'd wait an eternity. With these things in mind, it's hard to believe that I rated them so highly, but I cleaned every crumb of food and drop of gravy off of that plate and so did my friend! It was the most delicious, well-done, perfectly seasoned meal and it wanted for nothing. I was impressed with the other things on the chef's menu, which has more to offer than just a traditional Southern menu, but given the wait time, I think all future visits would have to be takeout and I would call at the time they open, to pick it up at closing! Seriously, great food,wonderful people, but if they could somehow put a little more pep in the kitchen step (and purchase a fan or two) I would trek over to 1st Ave more often. Overall, delicious. And that cornbread was...well, the entire meal was everything.

I really wanted to give this place five stars, so I'll start with the pros. It's a cute little cafe with four tables nestled in East Harlem, which I wouldn't have found if not for Yelp! The owner, Artist, was really kind and made me feel right at home. He told us that it was BYOB and to holler if we needed anything. He is the only person working! He started us off with cornbread, which was really soft and moist, that it did not need any butter. We ordered the buttermilk fried chicken with mac&cheese and mash potatoes. The fried chicken was very juicy and tender. The mash was to die for. It contained hints of cheddar cheese which was really the icing on top. The Mac & cheese was okay.. Not bad.... So, now you're probably wondering why I only gave it three stars... Well, I bought a yelp deal for $9 which entitled us to $18 worth of food. Our total was 22.30 including tax and a 15% gratuity, which means I would've owed him $4.30. I told him I had a yelp deal and he took it and told me I owed him $9.80??? I asked him why? He said "yelp tax". I wasn't going to argue with him in front of all his customers so I let it go but I'm still upset that he wasn't doing honest business. Basically, it was as if i didn't buy the deal. I was def going to go back, but after that mishap-- I don't know anymore.

The owner kept our deposit without providing the service. Changed my commentary to 1 star for now since the owner don't want to refund our deposit of 560$... Best East Harlem restaurant ! The owner and the place is amazing !

The chef is truly focused on delivering excellent food in a warm atmosphere and it shows. I enjoyed an excellent date here and the chef was even able to creatively make something off the menu to accommodate my dates special needs. The chicken is as savory as one would expect and I had a nice crunch--the best hot sauce I have ever enjoyed added the perfect touch. The side dishes of Mac and collard greens were the perfect complement to the poultry and the portions are extremely generous for the price point. I was thrilled with the personable service I received and can't wait to go back soon

What can I say. A beautifully black-owner space with attentive owners and great food! The Sea Bass was so most and the collards...flavorful minus the meat; definitely a plus for a vegetarian like myself. Great energy and accommodating! Love LOve LOVE!!! Will def be back again!

SpaHa Soul is ALWAYS great. I only wish I could stop by more often. It's a small spot so make sure to call in your reservations. Great atmosphere, great food, bring a bottle of wine and relax as your food is always cooked fresh to order and definitely worth the wait!

Been meaning to try this place for a while and finally got to this weekend. We walked in and there were only 4 tables seated, but we were immediately told that the food would take about 20-30 minutes after we ordered because everything is made from scratch. Okay fair enough. They don't have menus, just a board that had 3 proteins and 2 sides and cornbread + a $50 pre-fix. Little to choose from, but okay. We went with the pork chops and cornbread and mac and cheese. We waited literally an hour and a half after ordering and still no food on our table. No one else was eating either. Everyone was talking about it. We kept asking and the waitress had no idea when it would be ready. We were so insanely hungry at this point we were about ready to walk out. 25 minutes later the food came out. Unbelievable! The food was pretty great. Pork chops were very juicy. Cornbread was amazing. Mac and cheese was okay. Would skip that. Sides were $7 and up and small. Overpriced. Proteins were properly priced at $8-12. When we were done we asked for the check and again waited another half an hour to settle the bill! We were there for hours! Crazy. Won't be going back anytime soon unless I have 4 hours to kill... **If you're the owner and reading this, get it together guys! I want this place to work out. East Harlem needs it! I've been in the restaurant business my whole life and I can promise this place will fail if you don't figure it out asap! Best of luck

Where can I begin with Artist! I have always said this man has blessed hands. Every single dish he makes is delicious. He greets everyone so warm and graciously. You feel right at home, like you have been around him at family gatherings. To the food: I had the the coconut curry chicken. This was yummy. The right amount of heat and sweet. Served with rice which match perfectly together. I think I noticed some finely grated ginger too. Husband and friend had fried chicken with Mac and cheese, with Brussels sprouts. I've had the Mac and cheese and chicken before, which of course was delicious. One thing that surprised me was the Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon!!!!! Wow! Just wow. My other friend had the stuffed pork chops. Now I am not a fan of grits. But these grits. Omg. Buttery and flavorful. I will order grits the next time I go back. Just do yourself the favor and get to this spot. God willing he will be there for years to come. Other tip he caters to your taste buds. Don't like it too spicy, let him know. Also he makes everything fresh when ordered. So be patient. It's well worth the wait I promise.

Absolutely loved this hidden gem. Artist is awesome. Such a great host and the food was amazing! You literally feel like you're eating at his home and can feel the love in the food. I also like that its BYOB and there's a liquor store near by.

while the food is good, what makes this establishment amazing is the service/staff. the owner and chef, Artist, and his host/waiter/etc, "Q", are engaging individuals who make conversations flow so effortlessly. girlfriend and i were technically the only patrons here on a slow thursday night, so it may be the reason we got all attention lavished upon us, but hey, i'll accept it graciously. cozy candlelit atmosphere and live local music (last night was James Madx) with perhaps 4/5 two seaters and 4/5 chairs at the bar. BYOB -- for now so in the meantime, East River Wines and Spirits will deliver (quite fast) and there's a 5$ corkage fee per person. limited menu (changes every so often) on the chalkboard -- definitely helps those indecisive individuals. cornbread: HUGE portion, tastes delicious, and looks like a cake. chicken: fried breast, well seasoned. mac & cheese: standard. collards: definitely the healthy version (i'm used to the unhealthy one). price point? a bit too expensive for this area of town and does not match portion size. verdict? home cooking as you would find at grandma's house. nothing fancy so if you're expecting frills, go elsewhere. overall, good. i'd come back just for the atmosphere and conversation... it's that welcoming.

My experience at SpaHa has alway been exceptional, even when I have not been in my top form . Artist greets you with the same love that he puts in all his dishes. As neighborhood eateries go, this is one of the best!!! I will visit again soon! P.S. As my niece would say anyone who doesn't get the whole SpaHa experience should be having dinner at Applebee's (basic)!

Some of the best food I have ever had. Not just southern/soul food. Best. Food. Ever. The owner is a kind, talented and attentive man. It felt like you were having a meal at his home. Along with the amazing food was a wonderfully talented guitar player to really put this experience over the top. This was my first time and will absolutely not be my last.

SPAHA is like going over to a close friend's home for dinner if your friend happens to be an amazing chef! We were so lucky to get in without a reservation (note to readers, this place only opens for reservations) and even luckier with the food. Artist does it all, he's friendly, inviting, and a great cook. If you're in Spanish Harlem and want home cooked goodness- try this place out!

When we arrived, the restaurant was actually closed for a private event scheduled to begin a few hours later. Seeing the disappointment on our faces, the gracious owner-chef Artist, invited us in anyway, and prepared a scrumptious dinner. The experience was truly like being in someone's home. The shrimp and grits were to die for (and i spend a lot of time in New Orleans, so i know shrimp and grits). The fried chicken was flavorful, and the yams and collard greens were perfect accompaniment. There's a nice wine/liquor store three blocks away, so while dinner was being prepared, I walked over and picked up a bottle of champagne to complete the meal. As others have said, the food is not quick, so if you're rushing, move along. If, however, you want to relax and have great food, good ambiance in an intimate setting, funky cool music, and an overall warm and welcoming experience, this is the spot.

What an amazing meal. Artist (the proprietor) greeted us with a long description of the food and his ideas on slow cooking. We were warned that everything was cooked from scratch so be prepared for a wait. We brought our own wine from home (bodega next door for beer or soda and a liquor store that delivers quickly nearby) and enjoyed conversation. Meal came out in bits and pieces for the next 90 minutes. All of it remarkable. Watermelon salad was refreshing. Salmon croquettes wonderful. My meal of smoked pork chop, coconut rice and collard greens were heavenly. Mac and cheese, pork and cashew tacos and fried chicken were excellent. Did not have time for dessert but need to come back for brunch to try the red velvet pancakes. Reservations are a must.

Very intimate space and the owner was endearing and warm! The chicken, rice, and greens were great. I'd pass on the Mac and cheese.

This place is bomb, period. Music and atmosphere on point. Owner is down to earth an can hold a conversation. Great food! A must visit!

I have never written a review on yelp. I can remain silent no longer. So much so, that I literally just downloaded the app to review this place. As of today, I have had everything on the menu. This place is unequivocally the best joint in the neighborhood. The fried chicken is on point, the collard greens are fantastic, the pork chop is amazing, the fish of the day (tilapia) today, was the most flavorful I've ever had. And the red velvet pancakes...lawd have mercy, let me stop there. The point is, this place gives me life when life has got me down. I think the only thing better then the food are the people. As everything is a culinary delight, understand that it takes time to make. Also, know that this place is BYOD, but they can hit up assume place nearby at your request. I can go on and on, but suffice it to say, run to this place. Friggin' run.

I absolutely loved every second of my experience here. Seriously, if you are interested in soul food you at least have to try this place once. There are a few tables and everything is cooked scratch to order from fresh ingredients bought within hours. It is a complete hour and a half minimum dining experience. However, the owner, Artist, was good enough to take our order over text from our cab and have it ready for us faster because we had to make a show. Everyone raved about their food when we got there and ours was also simply delicious and the smell when you walk in, well, amazing. It is as authentic as you get in the last remaining non-gentrified section of New York City/Harlem. Artist, the name of the owner, is perhaps the warmest and friendliest proprietor that I have ever met and any restaurant. He is a complete foodie and has complete joy in cooking for his customers. It is really hard to explain. We talked throughout the meal. We talked about the history of the city and things that you would think he probably talked about 1 million times with customers but I am certain he was 100% engaged in every word. The place is deserving of your patronage just because of him alone. He is not doing this to make a lot of money. It is completely an act of love and it is absolutely going to be a go to place on a regular basis for me because I enjoyed it that much. In fact, he was so interested in some of my Southern barbecue , that he and I agreed to do a food swap over the summer and I will bring in mine and he will make something special for me. The fact that we came in after hours and he kept the restaurant open for us so that we could finish our meal after our show, is just ridiculously amazing service and he welcomed us with his own private stash of a drink to toast. I can't say enough and I hope you help keep his business alive and you will have an amazing time!

Delicious food and atmosphere. Must call in advance to have food ready for your arrival. Otherwise walk-ins wait 45 minutes for food. Also bring your own booze and wine.